NEWT TO STAY PUT

Newt Gingrich says that he has virtually decided not to challenge Bob Dole for the Republican nomination for president. Gingrich told CBS this morning that it is "very, very unlikely" that he will run. "It just wasn't in the cards for Gingrich," says political correspondent Michael Kramer. "He probably made the right political decision. Gingrich has real problems with polarizing voters. The budget impasse might have something to do with deciding not to run, but the main reason is that he doesn't want to give up the power of the Speakership to pursue an ephemeral goal that might not pan out." Gingrich said he will make his formal announcement next Monday.